Sixth-graders react to AI info session

Shortly after attending the Gruvy Education session about artificial intelligence (AI), NRHEG sixth-graders Lydia Louks, Dyna Hanson, Avery Mollenhauer and Brendan Koopal shared some reactions to what they had just heard.

 

Lydia pointed out she finds the in-home “Alexa” bot quite useful, but for the most part, all four stated they already knew it’s important to be careful when sharing or using online information. They did express surprise at the many ways online elements can be targeted or manipulated. They stated that, except for some of the defaults like auto fill-ins in texts or occasional online searches, they seldom use AI. They commented they were completely taken by surprise that anyone might form a “friendship” with an online personality.

 

At about 12 years old, they said they had not really given thought to their future careers or what effect AI might have on them, but felt confident their current ways of earning money–which included mowing lawns, babysitting, cleaning garages, and helping care for gardens–would probably not be affected.

 

Remembering some of the positive strengths of AI, Avery said he hopes it will help speed up the search for curing cancer. Lydia said that she hopes to become a singer in the future, and speculated AI might help her in the process of writing songs–after all, the presentation had included an entire musical piece created using artificial intelligence.

 

The four said they were glad they had a chance to attend the session, and believed the information would be very valuable to them.